The Athletic

While being asked this week about taking over offensive play calling and helping quarterback Dak Prescott be successful, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy responded with an interesting take about defensive play in today’s NFL. “You got to be in tune with the climate of the National Football League,” he said from the league’s annual meetings in Phoenix. “I think we all recognize that the defensive line play, I know during my time in the league, I think it’s at a historical high. The value that’s put into the D-line play, as far as from the draft and free agency, that’s a priority position. You’ve seen the good defensive lines that have the six- or seven-man rotation, they’re getting it to eight to 10. Just look at our division alone. You have to pay close attention to that.” McCarthy went on to explain how the Cowboys will be adjusting some of their offensive protection schemes to help Prescott because of the talented defensive fronts they’ll be facing.